Faculty Advisor (Academic Success & Student Mentoring)

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dynamic and student-centered Faculty Advisor to join our vibrant academic community. In this pivotal role, you will serve as a primary mentor and guide for a dedicated cohort of students, empowering them to navigate their academic path, achieve their educational goals, and prepare for post-graduation success. You will be instrumental in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes student retention, engagement, and overall well-being. The ideal candidate is a passionate educator and advocate with a deep understanding of student development theory and a commitment to helping students realize their full potential.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Academic Advisor
Admissions Counselor or Recruiter
Student Affairs Coordinator
Adjunct Instructor or Lecturer

Advancement To:

Senior Faculty Advisor or Lead Advisor
Director of Academic Advising
Assistant Dean of Student Success
Program Director or Department Chair

Lateral Moves:

Career Services Counselor
Student Life and Engagement Manager
Registrar or Records Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Advise a diverse caseload of undergraduate students on academic planning, course selection, and degree requirements to ensure timely and successful progression toward graduation.
Proactively monitor student academic performance using university systems, identifying at-risk students and implementing targeted intervention strategies to promote academic recovery and success.
Mentor students in defining and exploring their academic, personal, and career goals, connecting them with relevant campus resources, internships, and research opportunities.
Guide students through the process of major/minor selection and declaration, providing in-depth information on curriculum, prerequisites, and potential career pathways.
Interpret and clearly communicate complex university policies, academic regulations, and procedures to students and parents, ensuring compliance and understanding.
Conduct regular one-on-one advising appointments, group advising sessions, and workshops on topics such as registration, study skills, time management, and degree planning.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records, meticulously documenting advising interactions, academic plans, and progress notes in the student information system (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft) and CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Slate).
Assist students in navigating academic challenges, including connecting them with tutoring services, counseling and psychological services, and accessibility resources.
Serve as the primary liaison between students and various academic departments, advocating for student needs and facilitating resolutions to complex academic issues.
Collaborate with faculty members to stay current on curriculum changes, program developments, and departmental expectations to provide the most accurate advice.
Participate in and provide support for new student orientation programs, leading sessions that acclimate incoming students to university life and academic expectations.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge of all undergraduate degree programs, university-wide requirements, and transfer credit articulation agreements.
Empower students to take ownership of their educational journey, teaching them how to utilize self-service tools for registration, degree auditing, and long-term planning.
Support students on academic probation or warning by developing and monitoring structured academic success plans in collaboration with other campus support offices.
Evaluate and process academic forms and petitions, such as course withdrawals, pass/fail requests, and appeals, providing guidance on potential academic and financial aid implications.
Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within all advising practices, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to student retention and success metrics.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap for improving advising services.
Collaborate with business units, such as Admissions and the Registrar's Office, to translate data needs into engineering requirements and streamline student transitions.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team if applicable to institutional projects.
Assist with the planning and execution of university-wide recruitment and retention events, such as open houses and major fairs.
Serve on departmental and university-wide committees focused on student success, curriculum development, and academic policy.
Engage in continuous professional development by attending conferences, workshops, and training to stay abreast of best practices in academic advising.
Contribute to the creation and updating of advising-related publications, websites, and communication materials for students.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Student Information Systems (SIS): Proficiency in using systems like Banner, PeopleSoft, or CampusVue for accessing student records, managing course registration, and tracking academic progress.
CRM & Advising Platforms: Experience with advising software and CRM tools such as EAB Navigate, Starfish, Slate, or Salesforce for case management and student communication.
Degree Audit Software: Expertise in running and interpreting degree audits using systems like DegreeWorks or DARS to ensure students meet all graduation requirements.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to pull, analyze, and interpret basic student data to identify trends and inform advising strategies.
Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for communication, record-keeping, and presentation development.

Soft Skills

Empathetic Communication: Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to build rapport and convey complex information clearly and compassionately.
Mentoring & Coaching: A natural ability to guide, support, and empower students, fostering their personal growth and self-advocacy.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Strong analytical skills to identify student challenges, explore solutions, and navigate complex university systems and policies.
Cultural Competency & Inclusivity: A demonstrated commitment to working effectively with a diverse student body, including first-generation, international, and underrepresented students.
Organizational & Time Management: Superior ability to manage a large caseload, prioritize competing tasks, and maintain meticulous records in a fast-paced environment.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and administrators across different departments to support a seamless student experience.
Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to adapt to changing technologies, policies, and student needs while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

A Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, Counseling, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Higher Education
Counseling
Student Affairs
Education
Psychology or Sociology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of experience in academic advising, counseling, student services, or a related role within a higher education setting.

Preferred: Direct experience advising undergraduate students, familiarity with student development theory, and a proven track record of contributing to student retention and success initiatives. Experience working with specific populations (e.g., first-generation students, student-athletes, international students) is highly desirable.